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Improving Farm Regulation
The new Task Force on Farming Regulation has launched a new wide ranging consultation to try and improve approaches to regulation.

In particular the Task Force are seeking examples of:
  • regulations that are unnecessary and could be removed without lowering standards for business, the public or the environment;
  • regulations that have had additional and unnecessary measures added to them; and
  • regulations that are overly complex or disproportionate in the way that they are implemented or enforced.
Richard Macdonald, the Task force chairman said: “We want farmers, growers and the food industry, who often complain about excessive regulation and bureaucratic processes, to help us to improve the system. This is a major consultation exercise to identify the issues and find solutions and we encourage all interested parties to submit evidence personally or through trade and representative bodies. It is our intention also to get out and meet farmers, growers and food processors to get first hand views on what’s wrong and explore new and alternative ways to current regulations and processes.”

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, Jim Paice is hoping that the Task Force will be able to put forward fresh ideas that go beyond the ‘traditional’ methods of regulation, whilst continuing to maintain high standards.

The consultation will be open until 31 October. Evidence can be submitted online at http://engage.defra.gov.uk/farm-regulation/

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.